Friday, July 20, 2012

Friday Doings

I've been having a busy time this week, what with preparing for next year's job, rediscovering old thrifting grounds, and sewing up a storm in preparation for Promaballoona. I did finish my Leonora shorts, and many thanks to all of you for your lovely, kind, encouraging comments. I feel so much better about them now! Pictures to come tomorrow. In the meantime, a couple of random iPhone snaps to tide you over:

I didn't bring this one home with me from Thrift Town, but I just had to take a picture -- this apparently belonged to a very disgruntled lady, judging by the comments written on the pattern envelope. "Neck opening way too large; armholes too deep; sides too wide, etc. etc. etc." And above the "large" designation, one more "VERY" in all caps. I love seeing these glimpses of the personalities/lives of the former owners of vintage patterns! This lady also apparently had a husband with a 42" chest, as there were at least ten men's shirt patterns from the 70s bundled with this one.

I used to go to Thrift Town all the time when I was teaching in San Leandro; whether I needed to spice up my teacher wardrobe or find costumes for the school's theater production, it never failed me. Well, that was before I started sewing, and now that I've discovered the wonders of vintage patterns, it's still good to me.

And because this was just too ridiculous not to share, and on the chance that there might be some former Sanrio-addicts out there, have a not-very-indicative shot of my muslin of my prom dress!

Not very indicative of the actual dress because, you know, Pochacco sheets.
My actual dress is obviously going to be made out of curtains.

It's actually the Simplicity 4257 that Jane sent me for our swap, and it is turning out beautifully! My actual prom dress won't have sleeves, but I thought I should test out the sleeves while I was at it. I ended up taking out all the ease because I couldn't figure out how to insert it otherwise, and honestly, it's no better or worse than with the 2" of ease drafted into the sleeve cap...could it be that sleeve cap ease really is bogus?

Yeah, bhuuuut... Thrift Town San Leandro is srsly one of the best thrift stores in the Bay. I find SF thrift stores overpriced/too crowded and therefore hard to find the goods. I don't live in SL, but SL Thrift Town has been worth the trip since my mom took me thrifting when I was a little girl.

Srsly, comparing two thrift stores with the same name... not like comparing two Targets at all. Not the same.

I can't wait to see your Proomaballoona dress! I just found your blog, it was the Spiderman dress :) It's so inspiring to see people interested in the same things that I am. Although I should probably use more time sewing and less on blog reading...

The sleeve cap ease is usually more noticable on period style garments. A lot of times if you pin well, you won't even notice it on most ungathered sleeves - so you are probably a good pinner. =) I'm always amazed at how ease disappears when you pin something well - even if it's a straight seam.

I don't think that I'm a particularly good pinner -- in fact, trying to pin it was so horrible that I just took all the ease out; that's why the top looks so nice and smooth. I wish I could watch a real professional tackle sleeves with two inches of ease, then maybe I could figure out the secret!

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About Me

I'm an enthusiast of cats, geekery, sewing, and clothing made from thrifted sheets. Thanks for visiting my blog, and I'd love it if you left me a comment! Or you can contact me at cationdesignsblog at gmail.com